Despite the pandemic that has closed an then re-closed many of Colorado restaurants, a new quick-serve and premium casual Chinese restaurant opened last Friday. 

Bao Brewhouse replaces Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen at 1317 14th St. in Larimer Square and offers dumplings, Asian-style wings and even pork meatballs. 

“This is something that’s different. On the lower level we have more grab and go type food, but on the upper level we’ve incorporated a tea-room that’s kind of a higher level, more exclusive kind of space with better food items and an overall elevated experience,” said owner Michael Swift. 

For years, Swift has held nearly every position within the food industry and has dreamed of owning his own restaurant.

After several trips to China with one of his former bosses and visiting his best friend from high school who owns a brewery in China, the three began discussing a joint partnership. 

But as the coronavirus pandemic struck the world, like many other’s, Swift’s plans changed. 

“When COVID happened (my friend’s) wife was stuck in China, and he said he had to return, and (my former boss) that was patterning with me said they wanted to focus their energy on their own restaurants,” Swift said. 

“I was already ready to sign on the dotted line and ready to go, so I just decided to not stop and just go for it.”

At first, Swift thought he had timed everything perfectly with his restaurant as the construction was scheduled to be finished in the fall. But as the pandemic continued it forced health officials to re-close indoor dining effective Nov. 20, the same day the grand opening was scheduled. 

Despite having several outdoor patio tables, Swift said he was forced to postpone his original opening date and change his menu to prepare for a mainly take-out opening night.

“We were just trying to think of items that you can eat 20 minutes later and have it still be really good. But a lot of stuff on the original menu was meant to be eaten right away,” he said

Besides updating the menu, Swift had to enroll in delivery services such as UberEats, Door Dash and GrubHub to compete with other eateries.

Although take-out is not sustainable in the long run for even established restaurants, Swift says it scary to think that if someone doesn’t like something they order once, they may never come back.

“Just like with any business or restaurant there are some initial growing pains that need to be fixed, and I was hesitant to do only take out, because you can’t really fix anything if there’s a problem,” Swift said. “If they’re eating in the restaurant we can remake a dish, or suggest something else to eat, but when it’s already inside the customers home, what can I do?” 

Swift is hopeful that news of his unique eatery will spread by word-of-mouth and have people wanting to try his food.

And although Bao Brewhouse’s grand opening was not exactly what Swift envisioned 24 months ago, he is just thankful to have the opportunity to live out his dream, while other long-standing businesses are shutting their doors permanently.

“It’s obviously not what I expected or how I wanted to open, but I’m still pursuing a passion and dream I’ve always had, and will continue to push forward,” Swift said.